Hodgson hopeful over Liverpool top-four spot

Despite a shaky start to his tenure as manager, Hodgson is optimistic about Liverpool's prospects for the season GETTY IMAGES

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson believes his side can still be regarded as challengers for the Barclays Premier League's top four but admits their situation will only improve with new signings.

The Reds are currently nine points adrift of one-time leaders Chelsea, who now occupy the final position for Champions League qualification. With matches against Blackpool - on Boxing Day - Wolves, Bolton and Blackburn to come over the festive period there is a real chance to close the gap.

But what will be equally significant is what transfer activity there is next month and Hodgson said: "If the players are available that we have targeted and think could make us a better team then it would help us shape the team a lot quicker than maybe will be the case otherwise."

He added: "We are anxious any players we bring in are the right ones and the right ones for the long-term future.

"It is important they are better than the players we have got, because I think the players we have got are better than they have shown on occasions.

"But I fear the type of player we feel we need to improve our team will not be available in January, even if money was available."

Despite Liverpool's top-four hopes being written off by most people outside Anfield, the 63-year-old manager remains cautiously optimistic his side can prove their doubters wrong having recovered from the worst start to a season since 1953/54.

"We are in a position to strike for the top four but we are a good few points off. Some people would say it is pie in the sky to suggest we can do it but I don't think there is such a thing as pie in the sky in terms of football," Hodgson added.

"I have seen so many times in the past teams who have been doomed to relegation not get relegated and teams like Leeds United many years ago who were so obviously going to win the first division and didn't do so.

"Everything is possible and while things are possible we will play for them but we are realistic and we are not making any vain promises. We know we have given ourselves a severe handicap but we will work to bring in that handicap."